In a significant development for the telecommunications and data center industry, Vertiv and Compass Datacenters have announced a partnership to launch a pioneering dual cooling system. This innovation, known as the Vertiv CoolPhase Flex, represents a notable integration of liquid cooling with traditional refrigerant-based air cooling technologies. This hybrid system is designed to efficiently manage the diverse cooling needs of data centers, specifically those supporting both standard IT infrastructure and high-density AI applications.
The introduction of the CoolPhase Flex aims to address the more demanding workloads created by the rapid expansion of AI technologies. The system’s first deployment is slated for an early 2025 installation at a Compass facility, representing a key milestone in a long-term supply agreement between the companies.
According to Giordano (Gio) Albertazzi, CEO of Vertiv, this collaboration is pivotal. “AI is not only bringing change to data centers, it is also changing how key industry players work together to enable growth,” he stated. This statement underlines the collaborative spirit needed across various sectors to drive innovation and reduce barriers in AI technology adoption.
Compass CEO Chris Crosby further emphasized the flexibility this system offers. He remarked, “Our customers are looking for fast, practical, and energy-efficient ways… but want the flexibility to leverage air-cooling and support mixed loads in those same facilities.” Crosby’s vision highlights the dual advantage of this system in terms of operational adaptability and readiness for future AI challenges.
The CoolPhase Flex system is expected to simplify the adoption of hybrid cooling by facilitating quicker installations with reduced costs and downtime for data centers transitioning to liquid cooling. It incorporates pumped refrigerant economisation (PRE) technology, which allows for energy-efficient cooling by utilizing ambient conditions when feasible. Moreover, the system effortlessly switches to liquid cooling for more intense computing demands.
A distinct advantage of the CoolPhase Flex is its compact, self-contained design. It can be installed outdoors, which optimizes internal space within data centers. The modular nature of the Compass platforms further supports seamless integration of this novel cooling technology without necessitating extensive modifications.
Beyond cooling, Compass has implemented the Vertiv’s Next Predict service platform. This tool enhances maintenance capabilities by shifting from reactive to proactive measures through predictive analytics. This advancement aims to minimize disruptions and improve operational reliability. As Crosby pointedly commented, “A predictive tool that lets us know when equipment needs maintenance… is just a massive game changer for cooling equipment.”
